Three of Mexico's most popular cenotes located in Tulum have been issued safety and health warnings after local authorities detected a substantially high level of bacteria in the water, the kind that's particularly harmful to visitors.
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Unlike the ocean where there can be big waves or a strong undertow, cenotes are closed off – within caves – that protect the calm, azure waters from the elements. This typically makes them an ideal spot for a restful swimming experience.
Meanwhile, open-air cenotes also have clear water, but often are home to additional vitamin- and mineral-rich algae that nourish and protect your skin if you take a dip.
As the name implies, cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes caused by the collapse of limestone rock. As a result, we can now admire these hidden pools that were once beneath the ground. The origin of the caves and cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula is a heritage that goes back centuries.
Bull sharks can also swim in freshwater and seek its feeling. They are drawn to the freshwater cenotes pump out into the sea nearby the dive site and also the abundant food supply of fish and turtles in the area. Don't miss this amazing experience and enjoy diving with bull sharks in Mexico.
The fresh water from inland cenotes meets the Caribbean Sea in a km length 'c' shaped lagoon. The brackish water, a mix of fresh and salt water, is the perfect breeding ground for salt and fresh water fish, mangrove and in days gone by manatees.
For the more adventurous, cave diving is also available, but you will need to book with a dive center. It's always recommended to enter the cenote without any lotion or repellent on, and showers and bathrooms are available at the entrance. You can also rent life jackets and snorkel gear.
Swimming or snorkeling in a cenote offers a truly unique experience found only in Mexico. These natural sinkholes provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of fresh water snorkeling amidst the lush jungle surroundings.
Also, you cannot wear regular sunscreen or bug repellent when visiting the cenotes. You MUST wear an organic, reef friendly sunscreen from companies like Sun Bum.
Manatees, tarpons, snappers, moray eels, crocodiles, and so much more can be found enjoying these jungle oases. Let us introduce you to some of the most remarkable inhabitants found in the Yucatan Cenotes.
Officials noted in the study that the contamination found in the lagoon and Cancun cenotes is mostly because of wastewater that is wrongfully discarded of, leaving room for the waste to make its way to these sensitive bodies of water.
Flora and Fauna of the cenotesFlora and fauna of a cenote are unique. There are species of fish such as guppy and catfish, as well as some varieties of marine crustaceans.
How Deep Are Cenotes? One average cenotes are pretty deep – about 8-15 meters (49ft). Cenote the Pit is the deepest in Quintana Roo with its spectacular 119 m / 391 ft of depth. Cenotes dives are reserved for skilled divers only and the depth they can reach should be not more than 40 m (131 ft ).